Alton Towers Theme Park Alton Towers Theme Park

One of the best theme parks in the UK is Alton Towers. With so much to do for every type of adventurer, Alton Towers is a brilliant theme park to visit for a date, a family fun day out or a solo trip.

Alton Towers tickets and discounts

Book your tickets online and in advance to guarantee a fun trip to Alton Towers and secure the best discounts. There are different types of tickets to purchase. You can get day passes for as little as £29 per person or have double the fun with a two-day pass. There are also annual passes for thrill seekers looking to have fun all year round. Check out the price list here.

• Day pass: from £29
• Two-day pass: from £41
• Waterpark pass: from £18
• Parent and toddler pass: from £29
• Annual silver pass: from £99
• Annual gold pass: from £139

With a Merlin Annual Pass, you can save money on Merlin attractions around the UK, including Alton Towers.

• Merlin discovery pass: from £99
• Merlin silver pass: from £129
• Merlin gold pass from £179
• Merlin platinum pass: from £229

Psst. Did you know that members of the Camping and Caravanning Club get further discounts on attractions such as Alton Towers? Not a member? Join today and begin saving on campsites, attractions, equipment, and much more.

Alton Towers rides

Whether you're a thrill seeker and enjoy fast rides and ones that drop from great heights, or you prefer something more light-hearted and soothing, Alton Towers has a ride waiting for you. Popular rides at Alton Towers include:

Nemesis Reborn

New for 2024! Only the bravest can enter the Forbidden Valley and make it out in one piece. Nemesis Reborn is a roller coaster ride with deep drops, intense twists and fast speeds. It's the perfect adrenaline hit for thrill seekers.

• Height requirement: 1.4m minimum
• Best for: thrill seekers
• Location: Forbidden Valley

The Smiler

Are you ready for the world's first 14-loop roller coaster? Combining thrill and adrenaline, this roller coaster is 3x longer than Oblivion and goes at a speed of 85 km an hour.

• Height requirement: 1.4m minimum
• Best for: thrill seekers
• Location: X-Sector

Oblivion

If you're scared of heights, this ride is definitely one to stay far away from or plunge into your fears. Oblivion is the world's first vertical drop roller coaster, where you'll overhang from the edge and take in the views before dropping 180 feet at 110km per hour.

• Height requirement: 1.4m minimum
• Best for: thrill seekers
• Location: X-Sector

The Curse at Alton Manor

Whether you visit during Halloween or any other time of year, this hair-raising ride is not for the faint-hearted. The Curse at Alton Manor is a haunting dark ride that uncovers the story of Emily Alton, a girl abandoned in the attic with nothing but her dollhouse to play with and resentment fueling her thoughts. The 45-minute experience takes you through five shows, a boat ride, and six themed areas.

• Height requirement: 0.9m minimum or 1.1m with an adult
• Age requirement: 10+
• Best for: laughs and frights
• Location: Gloomy Wood

Congo River Adventure

There's nothing better than a water ride on a hot day. Congo River Adventure is a raft that you'll need to hold on tight to as you crash against waves and swoop through valleys and tunnels. Be prepared, as some riders may get splashed and others drenched.

• Height requirement: 1.1m minimum or 1.3m with an adult
• Best for: laughs and splashes
• Location: Katanga Canyon

Wicker Man

Enjoy an immersive roller coaster with cutting-edge special effects and classic wooden coaster technology. Wicker Man has three drops, two tunnels, and three passes. It's the first wooden roller coaster built in the UK in over twenty years.

• Height requirement: 1.2m minimum
• Best for: thrill seekers
• Location: Mutiny Bay

Th13teen

Suitable for all ages, Th13teen is a family-friendly roller coaster that will leave you wanting more. The dark and mysterious ride is the world's first vertical-free fall-drop roller coaster.

• Height requirement: 1.2m
• Best for: thrill seekers
• Location: Dark Forest

More popular Alton Towers rides

• Nemesis Sub Terra
• Rita
• Gangsta Granny: The Ride
• Runaway Mine Train
• The Blade
• Galactica
• Heave Ho
• Marauders Mayhem
• Spinball Whizzer

Getting to Alton Towers

Alton Towers is located in the historic village Alton in Staffordshire. It's incredibly simple to get to by car or public transport.

How to get to Alton Towers by car?

The resort is located between the M1 and the M6, and depending on where you're travelling from, there are different exits to take.

• M1 Northbound – Get off at Junction 23a
• M1 Southbound – Get off at Junction 28
• M6 Northbound – Get off at Junction 15
• M6 Southbound – Get off at Junction 16

If you type ST10 4DB into your satnav, it might take you down a local farm track, especially if you're coming from B5417. In this case, follow the brown tourist signs for the last few miles. These tourist signs are also signposted on the M1 and M6.

WARNING: If you're driving a larger vehicle, please note that there are many walkers, cyclists, and horse riders close to the resort, and the roads are tight. Although caravans and motorhomes can use the Alton Towers car park for the day, navigating the thinner roads might be a challenge. Therefore, you can pitch up at Alton, The Star Club Site, and get a taxi to the theme park, which will take approximately 8 minutes.

Alton Towers parking

There are different types of parking available for Alton Towers visitors.

1. Standard parking:
• Price: £10
• Free parking for Gold, Platinum and Premium Merlin Passholders
• You do not have to pre-book standard parking. Just scan your ticket at the barriers
• Grass and tarmac spots are available
• This car park is a 15 to 25-minute walk to the theme park entrance
2. Express parking:
• Price: £20
• £10 for Gold, Platinum and Premium Merlin Passholders
• You must pre-book online
• This car park is a 1 to 3-minute walk to the theme park entrance
3. Blue badge parking:
• Price: £10
• Free for Gold, Platinum and Premium Merlin Passholders
• Must have ID

Please note: Overnight stays in campervans or motorhomes in Alton Towers Car Park are strictly prohibited.

Click here for more information on car parking in Alton Towers.

How to get to Alton Towers by public transport?

There are two D&G buses operating to take you to Alton Towers.

1. X41 runs between Stafford - Uttoxeter - Alton Towers Resort
2. 32X runs between Hanley - Cheadle - Alton Towers Resort

There are also several train stations nearby, including:

• Uttoxeter Train Station: approximately a 20-minute drive to the theme park or 30 minutes by bus
• Stoke on Trent Station: approximately a 25-minute drive to the theme park
• Derby Train Station: approximately a 50-minute drive to the theme park

Places to stay near Alton Towers

You'll need a place to rest and relax before your trip to Alton Towers theme park, especially if you're travelling from far. There are plenty of campsites in Staffordshire that you can filter through to find your ideal stay. A popular campsite is Alton The Star Club Site, which is just an 8-minute drive from Alton Towers.

Alton The Star Club Site has several types of pitches, including grass-only pitches (with and without an electric hook-up), grass pitches with electric hook-up for larger units, hardstanding pitches with electric hook-up, and hardstanding pitches with super services. All unit types are welcome, and you can easily pitch up before heading off to the theme park.

The campsite is dog-friendly, welcomes families, and has incredible facilities, including a children's play area, an area for ball games, an on-site shop, washing facilities, and much more.

More things to do at Alton Towers

Although the theme park is best known for its thrilling rides, there is much more to do at Alton Towers.

CBeebies Land

CBeebies Land is the ultimate destination for children, designed to spark their imagination through play, learning, and endless fun. Young visitors can meet beloved characters like Postman Pat, Bluey and his friends, as well as Iggle Piggle and Upsy Daisy.

The park offers a variety of exciting play areas, both indoors and outdoors, where kids can laugh, make new friends, and explore the joy of learning. With plenty of themed rides tailored for all children, there's something to delight every little adventurer.

The magic doesn't stop there! Children can watch their favourite characters come to life in spectacular live shows and events. They'll sing, dance, and laugh along, creating unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

Sharkbait Reef by SEALIFE at Alton Towers Resort

With over 300 unique species of fish to spot, including sharks, rays and seahorses, Sharkbait Reef is fun to visit all year round. Under the wreckage of the ship in Mutiny Bay, Captain Black and his crew have opened up this reef so you can get close to the sea creatures and protect them for generations to come. This is a great visual and interactive experience for all Alton Towers visitors.

Cuckoo Cars Driving School

Now children can get behind the wheel at Cuckoo Cars Driving School. Designed just for kids, the driving school has 30 colourful cars whizzing around the tracks. This is a great interactive experience for all children.

The Towers and Gardens

Before Alton Towers became a theme park in 1980, an impressive tower and gardens attracted many visitors annually. On your visit, discover the tower's rich history and explore the beautiful gardens. If the weather is good, bring your own picnic and picnic blanket and enjoy tasty food with a stunning view as you calm your nerves after the terrifying rides.

Haunted Hollow

Can you handle the Haunted Hollow? As you head through the Gloomy Woods and creepy ancient house nestled amongst the trees, you'll have a few surprises waiting for you. The ghostly residents in the Haunted Hollow don't like visitors, so make sure you're alert at all times.

Extraordinary Golf

Extraordinary golf is no ordinary crazy golf course; it's…extraordinary! With two 9-hole golf courses, you'll have tons of fun with your loved ones. Whether you're a golfing pro or brand new to it, there are surprises on every hole to keep everyone on their toes.

Waterpark

Whatever the weather, you can enjoy Alton Towers' splash-tastic waterpark. Both indoors and out, this waterpark has a range of slides, a Bubbly Wubbly Pool, and loads of interactive water features to try. Entry to the waterpark starts from just £18, but Merlin Passholders and those visiting with families can get further discounts.

Alton Towers events

Depending on what time of year you're visiting the theme park, Alton Towers puts on phenomenal events. During Christmas, you can see the theme park transformed into a winter wonderland and meet Santa and his elves. If you're visiting during the spooky season, Scarefest is in full swing at the theme park, so make sure you're mentally prepared for a fright.

More information on visiting Alton Towers

Opening and closing times

Alton Towers Theme Park is open from March to November every year. It closes during winter but reopens on selected days closer to Christmas. For more up-to-date information on opening and closing times at Alton Towers, click here.

Accessibility at Alton Towers

For visitors who find it difficult to stand for long periods of time and queue, there is a Ride Access Pass that allows you to avoid waiting in long lines. The application for this pass has now moved online, and you must complete it 7 days before your trip. Click here for more information on Ride Access Passes.

There are accessibility features all around Alton Towers, from parking to accessible toilets, wheelchair and pushchair access to cafes and coffee shops, changing rooms and much more. Click here to discover the in-depth guidelines of all the accessibility features put in place to ensure you have a safe journey and a brilliant time at Alton Towers.